I've heard vets say YES, we should do all necessary to prevent heartworm. But are they just trying to stay in business and want money? What's the REAL risk of an indoor cat getting heartworm from a mosquito? Is it the same as a human getting heartworm (very very very low)? Because if it is... i don't want to pay for heartworm prevention pills!
2007-11-01 18:40:41 · 6 answers · asked by Elijah Lin 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Whoa guys - why say something as dangerous as "cat's can't get heartworm" if you don't KNOW?
Cats can get heartworm. And the likelihood depends on where abouts in the States you are (not sure about other countries) Read the info on the link below:
http://www.cathealth.com/FlHW.htm
2007-11-01 19:16:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats certainly can get heartwom and it seems to be becoming more common, but the risk is nowhere near as high as in dogs (estimated to be 1 cat case for every 10-20 dog cases). From memory, the average cat burden is very low, it takes longer for the lifecycle to be completed and the adult worms do not survive as long in the cat as they do in the dog.
Many of the worming/flea products used do also prevent heartworm- e.g. Revolution & Advocate. I personally would not push heartworm prevention for a cat like I would for a dog, but some vets will- some of it depends on how prevalent HW is in their area.
2007-11-01 21:17:41 · answer #2 · answered by Loz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone that has taken care of many foster dogs going through treatment for heartworm, I would give an emphatic YES! Prevention is absolutely necessary, especially if you live in a warm climate. Heartworm is a horrible disease that makes the dog absolutely miserable. It's expensive and time consuming to treat and sometimes the dog doesn't even make it through treatment. Prevention is 999% easier, cheaper and better for the dog.
2016-04-01 23:59:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just go for this:
Revolution® is a great all-around product approved for use in cats to prevent heartworms. This is a topical medication that is applied to the skin on the back of the head monthly. It is very safe for cats and kittens. Besides preventing heartworms, this medication also controls fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites.
http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/15.html
2007-11-01 19:07:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, heartworms are extremely rare in cats. I've never heard of medication specifically for cats with that problem. Heartworms are mainly a problem seen in dogs.
2007-11-01 18:44:35 · answer #5 · answered by RoVale 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I dont think cats can get heart worm, ask another vets opinion
2007-11-01 19:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋